Now it's high summer, and the championship leeks flourish throughout Durham and Northumberland.
There is one event every leek man dreams of winning - The World Open Leek Championships.
Harry Bone was last year's champion. Can he - and his wife Joan - retain the title?
Joe Jones is 72, the grand old man of leek growing. Two years ago his crop failed. Will his old-fashioned methods help him regain the trophy? Bob Bell , once a pitman, has never won the show, but this year he expects great things from his 'WRSL' (World
Record Super-Leek). On the great day there are disasters and triumphs. And the drama does not end there ...
An unforgettably epic tale of pride and passion TODAY A giant leek for mankind GUARDIAN 40 Minutes Editor EDWARD MlRZOEFF Director JOHN ALEXANDER